Vehicle proximity sensor for positioning a vehicle at a loading dock

ABSTRACT

A loading dock having a sensing device to determine proximity of a vehicle to the loading dock is disclosed. The loading dock includes a loading bay. The loading dock also includes a driving platform that receives a vehicle approaching the loading dock. The driving platform is positioned beneath the loading bay. The loading dock include a loading platform extending from the loading bay. The loading dock is equipped with a sensing device attached to the loading platform. The sensing device determines and monitors a distance between the vehicle and the loading platform. The loading dock also includes an indicating device that generates a signal when the distance between the vehicle and the loading platform is less than a threshold distance.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle proximity sensor,and more particularly, to a proximity sensor for positioning the vehicleat a loading dock.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles such as semi-trailers or trailers are used to move a wide rangeof items from one place to another for a variety of reasons. Such itemsmay include foodstuffs, beverages, manufacturing supplies, materials,packages for delivery, machinery, or other consumer or industrial goods.Moving these items requires sophisticated loading and unloadingoperations. In some loading and unloading operations, the vehicles arepositioned at loading docks to allow persons or vehicles to transferitems on to and/or off from the vehicles. The items may be sorted andsent to processing centers for delivery, or the items may be unloadedfrom one vehicle to be loaded on to another vehicle.

Loading and unloading operations typically involve the use of manydifferent types of vehicles, including semi-trailers, trailers, trucks,box trucks, and/or vehicles built to transport items. Different types ofvehicles may have different structures surrounding a trailer, a trailerbed, a truck bed, or a box truck bed, for example, to support differenttrailer bed widths or heights. In some loading and unloading operations,loading docks may be configured so that many different types of vehiclescan be positioned at the loading docks without modification to theloading docks.

Many loading docks include a bay positioned at a predetermined heightabove a driving platform. When a vehicle is parked at a loading dock,the height of the bay is substantially at the height of, for example, atrailer bed associated with the vehicle. In some loading docks, thevehicle may be positioned at a distance from the bay. Other loadingdocks may include a loading platform to bridge the distance and/or achange in height between the bay and the vehicle. Because the bay andthe trailer bed are located at a height above the driving platform, anydistance or gap between the bay and the trailer bed may allow items tofall through the gap, cause loading and unloading vehicles to be stuckin the gap, cause damage to the loading and unloading vehicles, and/ormay create a significant risk of injury to persons associated with theloading and unloading operations.

The vehicles may also move after being parked at the loading dock, dueto settling of the vehicle structure, a brake system fault, or otherreasons. Such movement, also known as creep, may allow the distance orgap between the bay and the trailer bed to increase, creating ahazardous condition for the loading and unloading vehicles or for thepersons associated with the loading and unloading operations. Loadingplatforms are also susceptible to creep issues.

Typically, persons are employed to watch a vehicle's approach, exit, orloading procedure. If the vehicle's approach is spotted, the persons maydirect the vehicle to back up to a loading dock. Persons may furtheralert the driver of when the vehicle has reached a position for loadingand/or unloading items. Additionally, persons may measure a distance orgap between the bay and the vehicle to ensure that the distance is lessthan two inches to protect persons associated with loading and/orunloading the vehicle from injury when moving from the loading dock tothe vehicle. Persons may also check the distance between the bay and thevehicle after the vehicle has been parked at the loading dock for aperiod of time to ensure that the distance or gap does not increasebeyond two inches.

These and similar methods are inefficient and costly, and changes in thesize of the distance or gap between the bay and the vehicle may goundetected. Many vehicles may remain parked at a loading dock facilityfor a period of time, and it may be necessary to check the distancemultiple times at a single loading dock. Due to the high frequency ofvehicles approaching one or more loading docks, significant losses ofproduction may result because of the time required to manually inspectthe distance between the bay and the vehicle one or more times.Furthermore, errors in measuring the distance or in detecting thepresence of the distance may result in the presence of an excessivelylarge distance between the bay and the vehicle, which in turn may resultin injury to personnel, or damage to or loss of property (e.g. to one ormore items).

Given the time, expense, and loss of production associated with manuallychecking distances or gaps between vehicles and loading docks, it isdesirable to have an improved system and method for detecting and/ormonitoring the distances or gaps and indicating that vehicles arecorrectly positioned at one or more loading docks.

SUMMARY

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments willbecome evident. It is contemplated that the aspects and embodiments, intheir broadest sense, could be practiced without having one or morefeatures of these aspects and embodiments. It is also contemplated thatthese aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a loading dock. The loading dockmay include a loading bay, a driving platform, a loading dock wall, asensing device, and an indicating device. The driving platform may beconfigured to receive a vehicle approaching the loading dock. Thedriving platform may be at a height below the loading bay. The sensingdevice may be attached to the loading bay. The sensing device may beconfigured to determine if a distance between the vehicle and theloading bay is less than a threshold distance. The indicating device maybe configured to generate an indication when the distance between thevehicle and the loading bay is less than the threshold distance.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a sensing device. Thesensing device may include a base, a sensor, and an indicating device.The base may be configured to be connected to a loading dock. The sensormay be attached to the base. The sensor may be configured to determineif a vehicle is at a distance less than a threshold distance from theloading dock. The indicating device may be configured to generate anindication when the vehicle is at a distance less than the thresholddistance from the loading dock.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of sensing aproximity of a vehicle to a loading dock. The method may include movingthe vehicle towards the loading dock on a driving platform proximate theloading dock. The method may include determining, using a sensing deviceconnectedly attached to the loading dock, a distance between the vehicleand the loading dock. The method may include determining whether thedistance is less than a threshold distance. The method may includegenerating, using an indicating device, an indication if the distance isless than the threshold distance.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention. The accompanying drawings,which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification,illustrate several exemplary embodiments and together with thedescription, serve to outline principles of the exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of components associated witha loading and unloading operation.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sensing device.

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary sensing device ofFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the exemplary sensing device of FIG.2A.

FIGS. 3A-3F illustrate exemplary arrangements of a loading dock with avehicle.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an indicating device.

FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate exemplary embodiments of a sensor.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate exemplary embodiments of a sensing device.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary embodiments of methods of sensing aproximity of a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments shown inthe accompanying drawings. Exemplary disclosed embodiments includedevices, systems, and methods for sensing a proximity of a vehicle to aloading dock during a loading and unloading operation at the loadingdock. In some embodiments, for example, the loading dock may include avehicle sensing device. The vehicle sensing device may include a base, asensor, and an indicating device. The vehicle sensing device may be usedin a method or system for sensing the proximity of the vehicle to aloading dock. The disclosed embodiments may reduce a complexityassociated with determining the proximity of the vehicle when comparedto conventional methods, for example, by reducing and/or eliminatingcostly methods associated with manually determining the proximity of thevehicle by previously known methods. The disclosed embodiments may alsoreduce and/or eliminate a likelihood of injury associated with erroneousdeterminations of the proximity of the vehicle resulting fromconventional methods. Thus, the disclosed embodiments may help ensure asafer work environment and a more cost effective loading and unloadingoperation as compared to previously known, conventional methods.

The disclosed embodiments may be used to sense the proximity ofvehicles, such as trailers, semi-trailers, box trucks, vehicles built totransport items, and other vehicles used in loading and unloadingoperations at, for example, a loading dock. It is contemplated that somevehicles may have a rear structure that may contact the loading dock,the rear structure including at least one of a door, a tire, a chassis,a bumper, a supporting structure, a gate, or other vehicle components.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary loading dock consistent with the presentdisclosure. Exemplary loading docks and vehicle proximity sensingdevices are described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 . Anexemplary method of vehicle proximity sensing is described withreference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. It is contemplated that one or more of thedisclosed sensing devices and systems may be used to perform the methoddisclosed in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary loading dock configuration 100 associated withloading dock 120. In some embodiments, loading dock 120 may includeloading dock wall 102, passageway 104, loading platform 106, loading bay107, and driving surface 110. Loading platform 106 may protrude frompassageway 104. Loading platform 106 may be substantially perpendicularto passageway 104. In some embodiments, however, loading platform 106may be positioned at an angle relative to passageway 104. The angle ofloading platform 106 relative to loading bay 107 may be at an inclinedangle (i.e. a positive acute angle) to allow access to vehicle 108 of aheight greater than a height of loading bay 107. The angle of loadingplatform 106 may be at a declined angle (i.e. a negative acute angle) toallow access to vehicle 108 of a height lesser than the height ofloading bay 107. For example, loading platform 106 may be an extensionof loading bay 107. Loading platform 106 may be connected to loadingdock wall 102. In some embodiments, loading platform 106 may protrudefrom loading dock wall 102 towards vehicle 108. Driving platform 110 maybe positioned below loading platform 106 and loading bay 107 and may beconfigured to receive vehicle 108 as vehicle 108 approaches loading dock120.

Passageway 104 may include a bay door (not shown) to allow passage ofpersons, machinery, and vehicles to load and unload vehicle 108. Vehicle108 may approach loading dock 120 along direction A. For example,vehicle 108 may be driven on or may travel on driving platform 110,which may be a driveway or of an approach road adjacent loading dock120. Gap 112 may separate vehicle 108 from loading platform 106, shownas distance D in FIG. 1 . It is contemplated that in some exemplaryembodiments, loading dock 120 may not include loading platform 106 andin those embodiments, gap 112 may be a distance between vehicle 108 andloading bay 107. It is also contemplated that vehicle 108 may move awayfrom loading bay 107 and/or loading platform 106 due to creep over aperiod of time. Movement of vehicle 108 in this manner may cause gap 112to be created and/or to increase in distance.

Sensing device 200 may be positioned adjacent loading platform 106.Sensing device 200 may be positioned in a cavity within loading dockwall 102. Although FIG. 1 depicts sensing device as being located at aparticular position on loading platform 106, it is contemplated thatsensing device 200 may be positioned anywhere on the loading platform106. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, loading platform 106may project from loading bay 107 but may not be supported by loadingdock wall 102. In these exemplary embodiments, sensing device may bepositioned anywhere along a length of loading platform 106. It is alsocontemplated that, in some exemplary embodiments, sensing device 200 maybe positioned on at least one of: passageway 104, loading dock wall 102,loading bay 107, or driving platform 110.

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle sensing device200. Vehicle sensing device 200 may include body 202, receiving platform204, and shaft 206. Body 202 may define an enclosure, including one ormore side walls 208, rear wall 210, front wall 212, top cover 214, andbottom cover 216. In some exemplary embodiments, side walls 208, rearwall 210, front wall 212, and top cover 214 may take the form of platesthat may be fixedly or removably attached to each other. For example,rear wall 210 and top cover 214 may be welded together. In anotherexample, side wall 208 and bottom cover 216 may be produced from thesame piece of material. It is contemplated that in some exemplaryembodiments, one or more walls (e.g. 208, 210, 212) or covers (e.g. 214,216) may be made from a combination of smaller plates.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, body 202 may have a generally cuboidal shape,although other shapes (e.g. cylindrical, polygonal, etc.) are alsocontemplated. It is also contemplated that body 202 may include onlysome of side walls 208, rear wall 210, front wall 212, and/or top cover214. For example, body 202 may include only rear wall 210. As anotherexample, body 202 may include rear wall 210 and one side wall 208. Body202 may be sealed, for example, between each wall and each adjacent wallor cover, such as to enclose internal systems to protect those systemsfrom water or wind damage. Body 202 may be produced from separateattachable plates, from a single sheet of material, or may be made bymachining a single block of material.

In some embodiments, receiving platform 204 may be pivotably connectedto body 202. For example, receiving platform 204 may be configured torotate around shaft 206. Shaft 206 may be located adjacent top cover214, as shown in FIG. 2 . It is also contemplated that in someembodiments, shaft 206 may be located adjacent rear wall 210 or adjacentside wall 208. In some embodiments, receiving platform 204 may have afirst (or default or receiving) position 218 in which receiving platform204 may be inclined relative to front wall 212 when no external force isapplied to receiving platform 204. As used in this disclosure, the terminclined should be interpreted to mean that surfaces inclined to eachother are not parallel to or perpendicular to each other. Thus, forexample, receiving platform 204 may be disposed at an angle θ₁ relativeto front wall 212. It is contemplated that additionally oralternatively, receiving platform 204 may be inclined relative to sidewalls 208.

Receiving platform 204 may be configured to be contacted by vehicle 108.For example, receiving platform 204 may be configured to be contacted byat least one of: a rear structure proximate the top of vehicle 108, arear structure proximate the bottom of vehicle 108, a rear structureproximate the side of vehicle 108, a wheel (e.g. tire) of vehicle 108,or a component proximate a rear structure of vehicle 108. Receivingplatform 204 may be configured to move from first position 218 to secondposition 220 when an external force is applied to some or all portionsof receiving platform 204. The external force may be applied toreceiving platform 204 by engagement with and movement of vehicle 108.As illustrated in FIG. 2A, in second position 220, receiving platform204 may be inclined at an angle θ₂, different from angle θ₁, relative tofront wall 212 of vehicle sensing device 200. It is also contemplatedthat in some exemplary embodiments, in second position 220, receivingplatform 204 may be oriented at an angle −θ₂ relative to front wall 212such that lower end 224 of receiving platform 204 may be disposedbetween rear wall 210 and front wall 212 of sensing device 200. It isfurther contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, in secondposition 220, receiving platform 204 may be disposed generally parallelto front wall 212 so that angle θ₂ may be substantially zero.

Although the external force applied on receiving platform 204 has beendescribed above as being imparted by vehicle 108, it is contemplatedthat additionally or alternatively, the external force may be applied byan actuator configured to change the position of receiving platform 204.The actuator may include a substantially linear actuator configured topush or pull on surface 222 of receiving platform 204 so as to causereceiving platform 204 to rotate around shaft 206. Additionally, oralternatively, the actuator may include a rotational actuator configuredto rotate shaft 206 to cause receiving platform 204 to move. It isfurther contemplated that in some embodiments, receiving platform 204may be configured to remain stationary (i.e. immovable) when contactedby vehicle 108.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary bottom view of vehicle sensing device200 with bottom cover 216 removed. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, shaft 206may extend over an entire width of sensing device 200. It iscontemplated, however, that in some exemplary embodiments, shaft 206 maybe in the form of a pair of shorter discrete shafts, each beingpositioned adjacent each side wall 208 and configured to permitreceiving platform 204 to be pivotably connected to side walls 208. Itis also contemplated that in other exemplary embodiments, receivingplatform 204 may be pivotably connected to one or more of side walls 208via other mechanisms (e.g. hinges, rollers, or other types of pivotablejoints).

Vehicle sensing device 200 may include sensor 230, sensor arm 232,sensor contact 240, and spring 226. Sensor 230 may be fixedly attachedto body 202. It is contemplated, that alternatively, sensor 230 may beattached, for example, to a plate that may be configured to sliderelative to side wall 208 for ease of accessibility, for instance, toreplace sensor 230 or to perform maintenance on sensor 230.

Sensor 230 may be attached with the use of a moving component such asspring 226 such that sensor 230 can detect the movement of receivingplatform 204 without being subject to excessive external forces, such asby vehicle 108. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 230 may beattached to at least one of top cover 214 or rear wall 210. In otherexemplary embodiments, sensor 230 may include a plurality of sensorsattached to different walls (e.g. one or more of side walls 208, rearwall 210, front wall 212, top wall 214 of body 202). In one exemplaryembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, sensor 230 may be fixedlyattached to one of side walls 208.

Sensor arm 232 may be movably attached to sensor 230. For example, asillustrated in FIG. 2B, joint 231 may be proximate sensor 230 and mayfacilitate an attachment of sensor 230 and sensor arm 232. Joint 231 maybe configured to allow sensor arm 232 to rotate around joint 231 and bepivotably connected to sensor 230. It is contemplated, however, that insome exemplary embodiments, sensor arm 232 may be slidingly connected tosensor 230 such that sensor arm 232 may move generally parallel to sidewall 208 and relative to sensor 230. Sensor arm 232 may also be movablyattached to sensor arm 234. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B,sensor arm 232 may be pivotably attached to sensor arm 234 at joint 236.Joint 236 may be configured such that sensor arm 234 can rotate aroundjoint 236. Sensor arm 234 may also be movably attached to sensor contact240. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, sensor arm 234 may bepivotably attached to sensor contact 240 at joint 242 of sensor contact240. Sensor arm 232, sensor arm 234, joint 231, joint 236, and joint 242may be configured to connect sensor 230 to sensor contact 240. It iscontemplated, however, that in some exemplary embodiments, sensor arm234 may be slidingly connected to sensor 230. It is also contemplatedthat in some exemplary embodiments, sensor contact 240 may be fixedlyattached to sensor arm 234.

It is contemplated that sensor contact 240 may contact an inner surface222 of receiving platform 204, for example, when receiving platform 204is moved by vehicle 108. Movement of receiving platform 204 in turn mayfacilitate a movement of sensor contact 240. Although FIG. 2Billustrates sensor contact 240 to include a roller, sensor contact 240may be configured to have other shapes. For example, sensor contact 240may be a substantially rounded end. As another example, sensor contact240 may be a rectangular member. It is also contemplated that in someexemplary embodiments, vehicle sensing device 200 may not include sensorcontact 240 and joint 242, and instead sensor arm 234 may be configuredto contact inner surface 222 of receiving platform 204. It is alsocontemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, vehicle sending devicemay not include sensor arm 234 and sensor contact 240 may be connectedto sensor arm 232 at joint 236.

In some exemplary embodiments, the movement of sensor contact 240 may besubstantially rotational. In other exemplary embodiments, the movementof sensor contact 240 may be substantially linear. It is contemplatedthat in some embodiments, movement of receiving platform 204 may belimited so that receiving platform 204 may not be configured to moveafter coming into contact with sensor contact 240. It is contemplatedthat in such embodiments, receiving platform 204 may contact a stoppositioned on, for example, shaft 206, to prevent movement of receivingplatform 204 once sensor contact 240 is contacted.

In some exemplary embodiments, sensor arms 232, 234 may be biasedtowards an extended position with the use of springs (not shown).Springs may be substantially linear springs or rotational or torsionalsprings. In such configurations, springs may be located at joints 231,236, and/or between sensor arms 232, 234. In some embodiments, sensor230 may include an electric motor configured to extend or retract sensorarms 232, 234.

In some exemplary embodiments, sensor contact 240 may be connected tosensor 230 by a single joint and a single sensor arm, such as joint 231and sensor arm 232. In such configurations, sensor contact 240 may bepivotably attached to sensor arm 232 and a joint, such as joint 242. Insuch configurations, joint 231 may include a spring that biases sensorarm 232 to be extended towards receiving platform 204. It iscontemplated that sensor contact 240 may be fixedly attached to sensorarm 232.

In some exemplary embodiments, rear surface 222 of receiving platform204 may be configured to contact sensor contact 240. In suchconfigurations, rear surface 222 may include guiding features to guide amovement of sensor contact 240 when sensor contact 240 moves, forexample, because of the movement of receiving platform 204. For example,rear surface 222 may include a magnetic feature to keep sensor contact240 attached to rear surface 222 after rear surface 222 contacts sensorcontact 240. By way of another example, rear surface 222 may include aclip (not shown) that may retain sensor contact 240. Yet anotherexample, rear surface 222 may include a conductive surface configured toconduct a thermal or electrical signal when sensor contact 240 contactsrear surface 222. It is also contemplated that guide features for sensorcontact 240 may be included one or more of side walls 208, rear wall210, front wall 212, top cover 214, or bottom cover 216.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of vehicle sensing device 200 with atleast one side wall 208 removed. As discussed above, receiving platform204 may be configured to rotate around shaft 206 from first position 218to second position 220 in a direction of rotation R. Spring 226 mayapply a biasing force on receiving platform 204 to resist rotation ofreceiving platform 204 about shaft 206. As illustrated in FIG. 2C, whenreceiving plate 204 is in its first position 218, joint 242 and/orsensor contact 240 may be separated from an inner surface 222 ofreceiving platform 204 by gap 244. First position 218 may be a defaultposition that receiving platform 204 may adopt under the biasing forceapplied by spring 226 when vehicle 108 is not in contact with receivingplatform 204. Spring 226 may be a rotational or torsional spring.Rotation of receiving platform 204 around shaft 206 in the direction Rmay cause gap 244 to be substantially reduced to zero such that innersurface 222 of receiving platform 204 may come into contact with joint242 and/or sensor contact 240 proximate the end of sensor arm 234.Receiving platform 204 may be disposed in third position 250 betweenfirst position 218 and second position 220 when inner surface 222 ofreceiving platform 204 comes into contact with sensor contact 240. Inthird position 250, receiving platform 204 may be inclined at an angleθ₃ relative to front wall 212 of sensing device 200. In one exemplaryembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, θ₂<θ₃<θ₁. Thus, gap 244 mayconstitute a threshold distance by which receiving platform 204 must bemoved before inner surface 222 may come into contact with sensor contact240.

In some exemplary embodiments, additional rotation of receiving platform204 towards second position 220 may cause joint 242 and/or sensorcontact 240 to move (e.g. in a direction towards rear wall 210) due tothe contact with receiving platform 204.

In one exemplary embodiment, sensor 230 may be a movement sensorconfigured to detect the movement of joint 242 and/or sensor contact240. In such embodiments, sensor 230 may be configured to measure arotation of sensor arm 232 around joint 231, for example, by an encoderincluded within sensor 230. In some exemplary embodiments, sensor 230may be configured to measure an amount of movement of sensor contact 240by including a laser-range finder. In other exemplary embodiments, oneor more of sensor arms 232, 234 may include positions sensors, which maybe configured to determine movement of joint 242, sensor arm 232, sensorarm 234, and/or sensor contact 240 towards sensor 230. It iscontemplated that an arm with sensor contact 240, for example sensor arm232, may be configured to slide into sensor 230 wherein sensor 230measures an encoder that rotates along the side of sensor arm 232 as itmoves between a retracted position and an extended position.

It is contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, sensor 230 may bean electrical sensor configured to detect the contact of sensor contact240 and receiving platform 204. For example, in such embodiments, avoltage or thermal differential may be established between one or moreportions of sensor 230 (e.g. walls 208, 210, 212, or covers 214, 216)and rear surface 222 of receiving platform 204. Contact between rearsurface 222 and joint 242 and/or sensor contact 240 may close anelectrical circuit allowing a current flow between the contactingsurface. Sensor 230 may be configured to detect the current flow andthus detect a contact between rear surface 222 of receiving platform 204and joint 242 or sensor contact 240. It is further contemplated that insome exemplary embodiments, sensor 230 may be a thermal sensorconfigured to detect the contact of sensor contact 240 and receivingplatform 204 because of a thermal differential between sensor contact240 and rear surface 222. It is further contemplated that in someexemplary embodiments, sensor 230 may include an optical sensor, and theoptical sensor may be configured to detect a surface of vehicle 108, forexample, through a hole in receiving platform 204.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary configuration 300 of loading dock 120consistent with the present disclosure. Many of the features ofconfiguration 300 are similar to those of configuration 100 discussedabove with respect to FIG. 1 . In the following, only features ofconfiguration 300 that may be different from those of configuration 100are discussed in detail. In addition to sensing device 200, loading dock120 may also include indicating device 302. Indicating device 302 may beconfigured to indicate a presence of vehicle 108 in loading dock 120and/or a proximity of vehicle 108 to loading bay 120 and/or loadingplatform 106. Indicating device 302 may be configured to generate anindication including an audio indication, a visual indication, a signal,or an audio-visual indication. In one exemplary embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 3A, indicating device 302 may include visualindicator 304 (e.g. a light 304) and visual indicator 306 (e.g. light306).

Visual indicators 304 and 306 may be configured to light up or turn offbased on signals received from vehicle sensing device 200. For example,visual indicator 304 may be a first indication, configured to turn onwhen a distance between vehicle 108 and loading dock 120 (or loading bay107, loading platform 106, or loading dock wall 102) is more than athreshold distance, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3E.Visual indicator 306 may be configured to turn on when the distancebetween vehicle 108 and loading dock 120 (or loading bay 107, loadingplatform 106, or loading dock wall 102) is less than a thresholddistance, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3B, 3D and 3F. It iscontemplated that indicating device 302 may include one visual indicatorthat turns on when vehicle 108 is at a distance about equal to or atless than a threshold distance and turns off when vehicle 108 is at adistance more than a threshold distance. It is further contemplated thatindicating device 302 may include a plurality of visual indicators andone of the plurality of visual indicators, for example, may turn on whena vehicle is at one position relative to the loading dock and turn offwhen the vehicle is not at the one position. It is contemplated that ifan indicating device includes a plurality of indicating devices, oneindicating device may wirelessly transmit a message, data, or a signalto another indicating device.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, vehicle 108 may travel in reverse, indirection A, over driving platform 110 towards loading dock 120. Vehicle108 may be positioned at a distance 310 from loading dock 120, includingloading platform 106, such that vehicle 108 may not be in contact withreceiving platform 204 of sensing device 200. As illustrated in FIG. 3A,receiving platform 204 may be oriented in first position 218 whenvehicle 108 is not in contact with receiving platform 204. Asillustrated, visual indicator 304 may be turned on and visual indicator306 is turned off when vehicle 108 is positioned at more than athreshold distance from loading dock 120. It is contemplated that insome embodiments, both of visual indicators 304 and 306 may be turnedoff when vehicle 108 is positioned out of contact with receivingplatform 204, and one of visual indicators 304 and 306 may turn on whenreceiving platform 204 is contacted. One or both visual indicators 304and 306 may turn on or stay on when vehicle 108 is at less than athreshold distance.

FIG. 3B illustrates another exemplary configuration 320 of loading dock120 consistent with the present disclosure. Many of the features ofconfiguration 320 are similar to those of configuration 100 andconfiguration 300 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3A,respectively. In the following, only features of configuration 320 thatmay be different from those of configurations 100 and 300 are discussedin detail. Referring to FIG. 3B, as vehicle 108 continues to travel indirection A, vehicle 108 may come into contact with receiving platform104. Further movement of vehicle 108 towards loading platform 106 maycause rotation of receiving platform 104 from first position 218, shownin FIG. 3A, to third position 250, shown in phantom in FIG. 3B. In thiscondition, vehicle 108 may be separated from loading platform 106 by gap312, which may be smaller than gap 310. As discussed above, in thirdposition 250, inner surface 222 of receiving platform 204 may contactsensor contact 240. When receiving platform 204 contacts sensor contact240, sensing device 200 may send a signal to indicating device 302,which may cause at least one visual indicator (e.g. visual indicator306) to light up. Illumination of visual indicator 306 may indicate thepresence of vehicle 108 at loading dock 120. Although third position 150of receiving platform 104 has been associated with activation of visualindicator 306, it is contemplated that in some embodiments visualindicator 306 may be activated as soon as vehicle 108 comes into contactwith receiving platform 304 to indicate the presence of vehicle 108 inloading dock 120.

As also illustrated in FIG. 3B, further movement of vehicle 108 in thedirection A may continue to rotate receiving platform 204 from thirdposition 250 towards second position 220. As discussed above, rotationof receiving platform 204 from third position 250 toward second position220 may also cause movement of sensor arms 232, 234 relative to sensor230. In this condition, vehicle 108 may be separated from loadingplatform 106 by gap 314. When receiving platform 204 is rotated tosecond position 220, sensor 230 may send a signal to indicating device302 to activate (e.g. illuminate) visual indicator 306. Illumination oractivation of visual indicator 306 may indicate that vehicle 108 ispositioned at an optimum or desired distance from loading platform 106.In this condition, visual indicator 304 may turn off. It iscontemplated, however, that in some exemplary embodiments, illuminationor activation of visual indicator 306 may not cause visual indicator 304to be turned off. It is contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments,that if the indicating device includes a plurality of indicatingdevices, that one indicating device may send a signal to anotherindicating device.

Sensing device 200 may rely on a threshold distance to activate visualindicator 304. In general, the threshold distance may be a distance atwhich vehicle 108 is positioned such that loading platform 106 is anoptimal or desired distance from a rear structure of vehicle 108 forsafe use of passageway 104 by persons or loading and unloading vehicles.In one exemplary embodiment, sensing device 200 may rely on a thresholddistance that is larger than gap 314 and smaller than gaps 310 or 312 toactivate visual indicator 304. Thus, for example, indicating device 302may activate visual indicator 304 when a distance (e.g. gap 314) betweenvehicle 108 and loading platform 106 is less than the thresholddistance. It is contemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, gap 314may define the threshold distance such that indicating device 302 mayactivate visual indicator 304 when a distance between vehicle 108 andloading platform 106 is less than or about equal to the thresholddistance.

In some exemplary embodiments, the threshold distance may be measuredbetween loading platform 106 and at least one surface of vehicle 108, asillustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B by gaps 310, 312, and 314, respectively.In other exemplary embodiments, the threshold distance may be measuredbetween sensing device 200 and at least one surface of vehicle 108, asillustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D by gaps 316, 318, and gap 319,respectively. In other exemplary embodiments, the threshold distance maybe measured between loading bay 107 and at least one surface of vehicle108, as illustrated in FIGS. 3E and 3F by gaps 322, 324, and gap 325,respectively. The at least one surface of vehicle 108 may include, forexample, a tire of vehicle 108, a rear structure of vehicle 108, or adoor of vehicle 108. In some exemplary embodiments, the thresholddistance may range between about 0.5 inch and about 2.0 inch. In otherexemplary embodiments, the threshold distance may be substantially lessthan 0.5 inch to ensure contact occurs between vehicle 108 and at leastone of: loading dock 120, sensing device 200, and bumper 352. In yetother exemplary embodiments, the threshold distance may be substantiallyless than 0.5 inch to ensure contact between vehicle 108 and at leastone of: loading dock 120, sensing device 200, and bumper 352.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary configuration 330 of loading dock 120consistent with the present disclosure. Many of the features ofconfiguration 330 are similar to those of configurations 100 and 300discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 , and 3A, respectively. In thefollowing, only features of configuration 330 that may be different fromthose of configuration 100 and 300 are discussed in detail. Asillustrated in FIG. 3C, loading platform 106 may protrude from loadingbay 107 and sensing device 200 may be attached to loading dock wall 102.Indicating device 302 may be configured to indicate a presence ofvehicle 108 at loading dock 120 and/or a proximity of vehicle 108 toloading dock wall 102. It is contemplated that loading platform 106 mayend at loading dock wall 102. It is contemplated that loading platform106 may extend past loading dock wall 102. It is contemplated thatvehicle 108 may include a gate or ramp to bridge the gap between vehicle108 and loading bay 107.

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, vehicle 108 may travel in reverse, indirection A, over driving platform 110 towards sensing device 200.Vehicle 108 may be positioned at a distance 316 from sensing device 120,such that vehicle 108 may not be in contact with receiving platform 204of sensing device 200. Visual indicator 304 may be turned off and visualindicator 306 may be turned on (e.g. illuminated) when vehicle 108 ispositioned out of contact with receiving platform 204. It iscontemplated that in some embodiments, visual indicators 304 and 306 mayboth be turned off when vehicle 108 is positioned out of contact withreceiving platform 204.

FIG. 3D illustrates another exemplary configuration 340 of loading dock120 consistent with the present disclosure. Many of the features ofconfiguration 340 are similar to those of configurations 100 and 330discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3C, respectively. In thefollowing, only features of configuration 340 that may be different fromthose of configurations 100 and 330 are discussed in detail. Referringto FIG. 3D, as vehicle continues to travel in direction A, vehicle 108may come into contact with receiving platform 104. Further movement ofvehicle 108 towards loading dock wall 102 may cause rotation ofreceiving platform 104 from first position 218 to third position 250(shown in phantom in FIG. 3B). In this condition, vehicle 108 may beseparated from sensing device 200 by gap 318, which may be smaller thangap 316. As discussed above, in third position 250, inner surface 222 ofreceiving platform 204 may contact sensor contact 240.

As also illustrated in FIG. 3D, further movement of vehicle 108 in thedirection A may continue to rotate receiving platform 204 from thirdposition 250 towards second position 220. As discussed above, rotationof receiving platform 204 from third position 250 toward second position220 may also cause movement of sensor arms 232, 234 relative to sensor230. In this condition, vehicle 108 may be separated from loadingplatform 106 by gap 319. It is contemplated that in the configurations330, 340 the threshold distance is larger than gap 319 and smaller thangaps 316 or 318.

Loading platform 106 in FIG. 3D may be configured to extend from loadingdock wall 102 to bridge the distance between vehicle 108 and loadingplatform 106 once gap 319 is substantially equal or less than thethreshold distance. For example, loading platform 106 may include a rampto extend from fixed portions of loading platform 106 towards vehicle108. The ramp may be removable. It is contemplated that the ramp mayslide from a recess (not shown) below loading platform 106. It is alsocontemplated that the ramp may fold out towards vehicle 108 from aposition proximate the end of loading platform 106 or loading dock wall102.

FIG. 3E illustrates an exemplary configuration 350 of loading dock 120consistent with the present disclosure. Many of the features ofconfiguration 350 are similar to those of configurations 100 and 300discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3A, respectively. In thefollowing, only features of configuration 350 that may be different fromthose of configuration 100 and 300 are discussed in detail. Althoughloading platform 106 is not shown, it is contemplated that loadingplatform 106 may be used with this configuration. As illustrated in FIG.3E, loading dock 120 may include one or more bumpers 352 that mayproject from loading bay 207. Vehicle 108 may be configured to come intocontact with the one or more bumpers 352. Bumper 352 may be configuredto be on any side of passageway 104 (e.g. above, below, on one side, oron the other side). In some embodiments, bumper 352 may be configured tobe on a plurality of sides. Bumper 352 may extend over some or all ofdock wall 102. It is also contemplated that bumper 352 may include aplurality of bumpers 352 positioned, for example, on either side ofpassageway 104.

Vehicle sensing device 200 may be positioned below the one or morebumpers 352. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, vehiclesensing device 200 may be attached to the one or more bumpers 352, toloading dock wall 102, and/or to driving platform 110. It is alsocontemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, sensing device 200 maybe mounted above or one side of bumper 352. It is contemplated that aplurality of sensing devices 200 may be mounted on a plurality ofbumpers 352.

As illustrated in FIG. 3E, vehicle 108 may travel in reverse, indirection A, over driving platform 110 towards loading dock 120. Vehicle108 may be positioned at a distance 322 from loading dock 120, such thatvehicle 108 may not be in contact with receiving platform 204 of sensingdevice 200.

FIG. 3F illustrates another exemplary configuration 360 of loading dock120 consistent with the present disclosure. Many of the features ofconfiguration 360 are similar to those of configurations 100 and 350discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3E, respectively. Althoughloading platform 106 is not shown, it is contemplated that loadingplatform 106 may be used with this configuration. In suchconfigurations, loading platform 106 may extend from loading bay 107 tovehicle 108. In the following, only features of configuration 360 thatmay be different from those of configurations 100 and 300 are discussedin detail. Referring to FIG. 3F, as vehicle continues to travel indirection A, vehicle 108 may come into contact with receiving platform104. Further movement of vehicle 108 towards loading dock wall 102 maycause rotation of receiving platform 104 from first position 218 tothird position 250 (shown in phantom in FIG. 3F). In this condition,vehicle 108 may be separated from sensing device 200 by gap 324, whichmay be smaller than gap 322. As discussed above, in third position 250,inner surface 222 of receiving platform 204 may contact sensor contact240. Vehicle 108 may contact receiving platform 204 before contactingbumper 352. It is contemplated that vehicle 108 may contact receivingplatform 204 after contacting bumper 352.

As also illustrated in FIG. 3F, further movement of vehicle 108 in thedirection A may continue to rotate receiving platform 204 from thirdposition 250 towards second position 220. As discussed above, rotationof receiving platform 204 from third position 250 toward second position220 may also cause movement of sensor arm 232 relative to sensor 230. Inthis condition, vehicle 108 may be separated from loading platform 106by gap 325.

In an exemplary embodiment, the threshold distance may be measuredbetween passageway 104 and at least one surface of vehicle 108, asillustrated in FIGS. 3E and 3F by gaps 324 and 325, respectively. The atleast one surface of vehicle 108 may include a tire, a rear structure, adoor, or a component proximate the rear of vehicle 108. Inconfigurations 350, 360 the threshold distance may be larger than gap325 and smaller than gaps 322 or 324.

Although indicating device 302 has been illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3F anddescribed above as including a pair of visual indicators 304, 306, it iscontemplated that indicating device may include just one visualindicator 304 or 306, or alternatively may include any number of visualindicators. Visual indicators 304, 306 may include bulbs, light emittingdiodes (LEDs), or may be in the form of visual icons displayed on adisplay device such as a screen of an electronic device, such as, acomputer, a mobile phone, a tablet, or any other type of electronicdisplay device. When indicating device includes only one visualindicator 304 or 306, indicating device may provide indicationsregarding detection of vehicle 108 and proximity of vehicle 108 toloading platform 106 using different colors, shapes, or other visualelements that may include icons or animations.

Further, although indicating device 302 has been illustrated in FIGS.3A-3D as including visual indicators, the configuration of indicatingdevice may not be so limited. For example, indicating device 302 mayinclude components that may generate audible alerts corresponding todifferent positions of vehicle 108 in loading dock 102. It is furthercontemplated that indicating device 302 may be an audio-visual devicethat may generate both visual and audible indications. Thus, forexample, indicating device 302 may include one or more visual indicators304, 306 together with components that may produce audible alerts.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 3A-3D, indicatingdevice 302 may be disposed on or adjacent to passageway 104. It is alsocontemplated that indicating device 302 may be positioned to allow anoperator of vehicle 108 to see and/or hear indicating device 302 fromwithin an operator cabin of vehicle 108 (e.g. using one or more rearview mirrors).

In some exemplary embodiments, indicating device 302 may be positionedwithin an operator's cabin of vehicle 108. For example, indicatingdevice 302 may be in the from of a display screen in vehicle 108.Additionally or alternatively, indicating device 302 may be included ina mobile phone, tablet computer, portable computer, or other electronicdevice located in the operators cabin of vehicle 108. For example, theindicating device 302 in vehicle 108 may receive signals from sensingdevice 200. FIG. 4 illustrate an exemplary electronic device 402 locatedwithin operator's cabin 404 of vehicle 108. It is also contemplated thatin some exemplary embodiments, electronic device 402 may additionally oralternatively be located in at least one of a control room or loadingdock 120.

Sensing device 200 may be configured to send signals to indicatingdevice 302 via a wired or wireless connection. For example, sensingdevice 200 may be connected to indicating device 302 by one or morewires electrically connecting sensing device 200 to indicating device302. The one or more wires may transmit signals in the form of voltages,currents, etc. to indicate detection of the presence of vehicle 108 ordetection of the proximity of vehicle 108 to loading platform 106.Sensing device 200 or sensor 230 may wirelessly transmit signals to anindicating device (e.g. indicating device 302 or indicating device 402).

In some exemplary embodiments, sensing device 200 may include acommunication device with wireless communication capability, and thecommunication device may be capable of receiving a signal from a sensor,such as sensor 230. The communication device associated with sensingdevice 200 may contain a processor and memory to execute smallapplications that may perform various functions, including checking forfaults and/or converting data for transmission. The communication deviceassociated with sensing device 200 may include one or more wirelesstransceivers capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals.Likewise, indicating device 302 may include one or more wirelesstransceivers. Sensing device 200 may transmit signals wirelessly toindicating device 302 using at least one of a radio signal, an infraredsignal, a Bluetooth signal, a WiFi signal, or a cellular signal over avariety of networks. In some exemplary embodiments, sensing device 200may transmit a signal to a computer that may transmit the signal overthe internet to indicating device 302. Additionally, or alternatively,sensing device 200 may include a transceiver that may wirelesslytransmit a signal to a cellular phone that may in turn transmit thesignal over a cellular network to indicating device 302. The signal mayinclude a message or a data packet. Indicating device 302 may includewireless transmission capabilities such as a transceiver fortransmission to one of a plurality of indicating devices.

In some exemplary embodiments, loading dock 120 may include a pluralityof sensing devices 200, wherein each of the plurality of sensing devices200 is configured to if vehicle 108 is at a distance less than or aboutequal to a threshold distance from loading dock 120. In someembodiments, the plurality of sensing devices 200 may be locatedproximate each other. In other embodiments, one of the plurality ofsensing devices 200 may be located proximate a top of vehicle 108 andanother may be located proximate a bottom of vehicle 108. It is alsocontemplated that in some exemplary embodiments, one of the plurality ofsensing devices 200 may be located proximate one side of a rearstructure of vehicle 108 and another of the plurality of sensing devices200 may be located proximate another side of the rear structure ofvehicle 108.

FIGS. 5A-5F illustrate non-limiting examples of sensors that may beincluded in sensing device 200. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates sensorassembly 500 including sensor arms 232 and 234, which may have aconfiguration similar to that discussed above with respect to, forexample, FIG. 2B. FIG. 5A illustrates a configuration in which sensorarms 232 and 234 are in an extended position, for example because of abiasing force. FIG. 5B illustrates a configuration in which sensor arms232 and 234 are in a retracted position, for example, because sensorcontact 240 and/or joint 242 may have been moved towards sensor 230 byreceiving platform 204. Sensor 230 may be configured to measure theposition of sensor contact 240 relative to sensor 230 based on an amountof movement of one or more of sensor arms 232, 234. Although FIGS. 5Aand 5B illustrate two positions of sensor arms 232, 234, it iscontemplated that sensor arms 232, 234 may be positioned in any positionbetween a fully extended position as illustrated in FIG. 5A and fullyretracted position as illustrated in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary sensor assembly 520, which may beincluded in vehicle sensing device 200. Sensor assembly 520 may includesensor 530, transmitter 522, and receptor 524. Transmitter 522 of sensor530 may be configured to transmit beam 526. Beam 526 may include a lightbeam, a sound wave (e.g. ultrasonic wave), etc. Beam 526 may impinge onone or more surfaces of a receiving platform (e.g. receiving platform204), including, for example, back surface 222, and may be reflected byreceiving platform 204. Receiver 524 of sensor 530 may be configured toreceive one or more reflections of beam 526 from a receiving platform(e.g. receiving platform 204). Sensor 530 may be configured to measure adistance of vehicle 108 from loading platform 120 based oncharacteristics of the reflections received at receiver 524. Suchcharacteristics may include, for example, an amplitude, a wavelength, afrequency, an energy content, etc. Sensor 530 may be configured todetermine the distance based on absolute measurements of thesecharacteristics and/or by comparing the characteristics of the receivedreflections with corresponding characteristics of beam 526 emitted bytransmitter 522. A receiving platform (e.g. receiving platform 204) mayinclude one or more reflective strips to help enhance reflection of beam526.

In some exemplary embodiments, a receiving platform (e.g. receivingplatform 204) may include one or more openings to allow beam 526 to passthrough. In such embodiments, beam 526 may impinge on one or moresurfaces of vehicle 108 and may be reflected by vehicle 108. Receiver524 of sensor 530 may be configured to receive one or more reflectionsof beam 526 from vehicle 108. Sensor 530 may be configured to measure adistance of vehicle 108 from loading platform 106 based oncharacteristics of the reflections received at receiver 524.

FIG. 5D illustrates sensor assembly 540 that may be included in vehiclesensing device 200. Sensor assembly 540 may include sensor 550, sensorarm 546, sensor spring 548, and sensor contact 544. Sensor arm 546 mayextend from body 550 and may be configured to retract and extend, asshown, for example, in FIGS. 5D and 5E, respectively. Sensor spring 548may be configured to bias sensor arm 546 towards an extended position.Sensor assembly 540 may be configured to detect when sensor arm 546retracts and extends. Sensor assembly 540 may be configured to measurethe position of sensor contact 544 based on a movement of sensor arm546. It is contemplated that sensor arm 546 may be a flexible arm or atelescoping arm. Sensor arm 546 may be configured to pass through thecenter of sensor spring 548. Sensor contact 544 may be fixedly attachedto sensor arm 546. Sensor contact 544 may be configured to contact areceiving platform (not shown). FIG. 5E illustrates a movement of sensorcontact 544, for example, when receiving platform 204 contacts sensorcontact 544 and moves sensor contact 544 towards sensor 550. Sensor arm546 may substantially retract causing sensor contact 544 to movesubstantially. Although FIGS. 5D and 5E illustrate two positions ofsensor arm 546, it is contemplated that sensor arm 546 may be positionedin any position between a fully extended position as in FIG. 5D andfully retracted position as in FIG. 5E.

FIG. 5F illustrates sensor assembly 580 that may be included in vehiclesensing device 200. Sensor assembly 580 may include sensor arm 582,movable arm 584, and sensor contact 586. Fixed arm 582 may be fixedlyattached to sensor 570. Movable arm 584 may be rotatably attached tofixed arm 582. Movable arm 584 may be configured to rotate between anextended position 590 and a withdrawn position 592 (in phantom). Aspring (not shown) may be configured to bias movable arm 584 towards anextended position 590. Sensor assembly 580 may be configured to detectwhen movable arm 584 rotates between extended position 590 and retractedposition 592. Sensor 580 may be configured to measure a position ofsensor contact 586 based on the movement of sensor arm 584, for example,by including an encoder that measures a rotation of sensor arm 584around joint 585. Sensor contact 586 may be attached to sensor arm 584.Sensor contact 586 may be configured to contact a receiving platform(e.g. receiving platform 204). It is contemplated that sensor arm 584may be connected to sensor 570. In such embodiments, joint 585 may bewithin or immediately adjacent sensor 570.

FIGS. 6A-6C show non-limiting examples of vehicle sensing devices. FIGS.6A-6C illustrate simplified sensing devices 620, 640, and 660 includingbase 602, sensor 610, and receiving platform 604. Other components ofsensing devices 620, 640, and 660 have been omitted to facilitateclarity of the description.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of vehicle sensing device620 that may be used in addition to or instead of vehicle sensing device200 in the one or more configurations of, for example, FIGS. 3A-3F. Base602 may be attached to a loading dock wall (not shown), exemplified asloading dock wall 102. Base 602 may be connected to a receiving platform604 by one or more springs 606. Receiving platform 604 may be biasedtowards a first position 630 extended away from loading dock wall 102 bysprings 606. Receiving platform 604 may move to a second position,nearer to loading dock wall 102 as springs 606 retract. Sensing device620 may include sensor 610 that detects a position of receiving platform604. It is contemplated that sensor 610 may detect contact of receivingplatform 604. One or more of the sensors discussed above, for example,with respect to FIGS. 5A-5F may be included in vehicle sensing device620 for detecting a position of receiving platform 604.

FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of vehicle sensing device640 that may be used in addition to or instead of vehicle sensing device200 in the one or more configurations of, for example, FIGS. 3A-3F. Base602 of vehicle sensing device 640 may be attached to a loading dock wall(e.g. dock wall 102). Base 602 may be connected to a receiving platform604 by telescoping structures 612. Receiving platform 604 may be biasedtowards a first position 630 extended away from dock wall 102 by springs608. Receiving platform 604 may move to a second position nearer to dockwall 102 as telescoping structures 612 and springs 608 retract. Sensingdevice 640 may include sensor 610 that detects a position of receivingplatform 604. It is contemplated that sensor 610 may detect contact ofreceiving platform 604. One or more of the sensors discussed above, forexample, with respect to FIGS. 5A-5F may be included in vehicle sensingdevice 640 for detecting a position of receiving platform 604.

FIG. 6C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of vehicle sensing device660 that may be used in addition to or instead of vehicle sensing device200 in the one or more configurations of, for example, FIGS. 3A-3F. Base602 may be attached to a loading dock wall (e.g. loading dock wall 102).Base 602 may be connected to a receiving platform 604 by fixed structure614. Receiving platform 604 may be rotatably connected to fixedstructure 614 around shaft 616. Receiving platform 604 may be biasedtowards a first position 618 away from the loading dock wall by springs(not shown). Receiving platform 604 may move to a second position nearerto the loading dock wall as receiving platform 604 rotates around shaft616. Sensing device 660 may include sensor 610 that may detect theposition of receiving platform 604. One or more of the sensors discussedabove, for example, with respect to FIGS. 5A-5F may be included invehicle sensing device 660 for detecting a position of receivingplatform 604.

FIGS. 7A and 7B shows an exemplary embodiment of a method 700 of sensinga proximity of a vehicle. The order and arrangement of steps in method700 are provided for purposes of illustration. As will be appreciatedfrom this disclosure, modifications may be made to method 700 by, forexample, adding, combining, removing, and/or rearranging the steps formethod 700.

Method 700 may include a step 702 of moving a vehicle towards a loadingdock. For example, vehicle 108 may be driven over driving platform 110associated with loading dock 120. In some exemplary embodiments, vehicle108 may be moved in a reverse travel direction towards loading dock 120(see e.g. FIG. 3A) such that a trailer end of vehicle 108 may be locatednearer to loading dock 120 compared to an operator's cabin (e.g.operator's cabin 404) of vehicle 108. Method 700 may include a step 704of determining a distance between the vehicle and the loading dock. Instep 704, a sensing device (e.g. sensing device 200) may be used todetermine a distance between vehicle 108 and loading dock 120. In oneexemplary embodiment, sensing device 200 may include body 202, and asensor 230, which may include receiving platform 204.

A sensor may determine the distance between the vehicle and the loadingdock 704 by a series of steps illustrated in FIG. 7B. For example, asensor (e.g. sensor 230) may determine if a sensor contact (e.g. sensorcontact 240) has been contacted by a receiving platform (step 742). Whenthe sensor determines that the sensor contact has not been contacted bythe receiving platform (step 742: No), method 700 may return to step742. When the sensor determines, however, that the sensor contact hasbeen contacted by the receiving platform (step 742: Yes), method 700 mayproceed to step 744. In step 744, a sensor (e.g. sensor 230) maydetermine if a sensor contact (e.g. sensor contact 240) has been movedfrom its initial or default position. When the sensor determines thatthe sensor contact has not been moved from its initial position (step744: No), method 700 may return to step 742. When the sensor determines,however, that the sensor contact has been moved from its initialposition (step 744: Yes), method 700 may proceed to step 746. The sensor(e.g. sensor 230) may determine a distance by which sensor contact (e.g.sensor contact 240) has been moved from its initial position (step 746).Method 700 may proceed to step 708 from step 746. It is contemplatedthat step 746 that the sensor (e.g. sensor 230) may determine if sensorcontact (e.g. sensor contact 240) has moved a predetermined distance.

It is contemplated that one or more of the sensors described withrespect to, for example, FIGS. 5A-5E and sensing devices described withrespect to, for example, 6A-6C may be used to determine if sensorcontact (e.g. sensor contact 240) has been contacted and/or moved.Information from steps 742, 744, and 746 may be used in other steps,such as step 706. Steps 742, 744, and/or 746 may occur in reverse orderor may occur simultaneously. It is also contemplated that in someexemplary embodiments, step 704 may not include any of steps 742, 744,or 746 or may include only a subset of steps 742, 744, and 746.

Method 700 may include a step 706 of determining whether the distancebetween the vehicle (e.g. vehicle 108) and the loading dock (e.g.loading dock 120) is less than a threshold distance. The sensor (e.g.sensor 230) may be configured to determine the distance that the sensorcontact (e.g. sensor contact 240) has moved to determine if the distanceof the vehicle from the loading dock is less than a threshold distance.In such embodiments, the threshold distance may be a predeterminednumber. It is contemplated that the sensor may be configured to comparean input threshold distance to the distance that the sensor contact(e.g. sensor contact 240) has moved. It is also contemplated that thesensor may measure a movement of receiving platform 204, for example,through the use of an optical sensor. When the distance between vehicle108 and loading platform 106 (e.g. gap 314, as shown in FIG. 3A) is lessthan the threshold distance (step 706: Yes), method 700 may proceed tostep 708. When the distance between vehicle 108 and loading platform 106(e.g. gap 310 or 312, as shown in FIG. 3B), however, is more than thethreshold distance (step 706: No), method 700 may return to step 702.

At step 708, the indicating device may generate an indication if thedistance is substantially equal or less than a threshold distance. Insome embodiments, generating an indication 708 may include generating atleast one of a visual indication, an audible indication, an electronicsignal, or an audio-visual indication using, for example, indicationdevice 302.

In some exemplary embodiments, after or during when the vehicle movesaway from the loading dock, the receiving platform may return to adefault position (e.g. first position 218), as shown in FIG. 3A (step710). In some embodiments, returning the receiving platform to areceiving position may include at least one of: moving the receivingplatform in a direction substantially perpendicular to a loading dockwall or moving the receiving platform in a substantially rotationalmotion. In some embodiments, returning the receiving platform to areceiving position may include the use of at least one of: a spring, amagnet, or an actuator.

In some embodiments, step 710 may be omitted, such that method 700 doesnot return the receiving platform to a receiving position. Suchembodiments may include a step of moving the receiving platform to a newposition to receive a new trailer of expected dimensions. Suchembodiments may be useful when the new trailer of expected dimensionshas different dimensions than the trailer before it.

Determining a distance between the vehicle and the loading dock mayinclude one or more fault detection steps (not shown in method 700).Faults may lead to false vehicle detection due to interruptions orerrors from external sources, such as misalignment of a sensor, a lossof electrical power, malfunctioning sensors, or intentional stoppage ofloading or unloading operations. When a fault is detected, an alert maybe created to alert an operator of the fault.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the disclosed loading dock,vehicle proximity sensing device, and method of vehicle proximitysensing. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practiceof the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specificationand examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A loading dock, comprising: a loading bay; adriving platform configured to receive a vehicle approaching the loadingbay, wherein the driving platform is beneath the loading bay; areceiving platform configured to contact the vehicle, wherein thereceiving platform is beneath the loading bay; a sensor attached to theloading bay, wherein the sensor is configured to determine if a distancebetween the vehicle and the loading bay is less than a thresholddistance by detecting a change of position of the receiving platform;and an audible alert configured to sound or a light configured to turnon when the distance between the vehicle and the loading bay is lessthan the threshold distance.
 2. The loading dock of claim 1, wherein thereceiving platform is movably attached to the sensor base.
 3. Theloading dock of claim 2, further including a spring configured to applya biasing force on the receiving platform.
 4. The loading dock of claim3, wherein the spring includes one of a torsional spring or asubstantially linear spring.
 5. The loading dock of claim 2, wherein thereceiving platform is pivotably connected to the sensor base at one end,the receiving platform projecting from the one end to an opposite end.6. The loading dock of claim 5, wherein the receiving platform isinclined relative to the sensor base before being contacted by thevehicle.
 7. The loading dock of claim 2, wherein the receiving platformis configured to move relative to the sensor base via at least one of asubstantially linear motion, a substantially rotational motion, or atelescopic motion.
 8. The loading dock of claim 2, wherein the sensorincludes at least one of an optical sensor, a movable sensor, a thermalsensor, or an electronic sensor.
 9. The loading dock of claim 1,wherein: the distance between the vehicle and the loading bay is morethan the threshold distance when the receiving platform is in the firstposition; and the distance between the vehicle and the loading bay isless than the threshold distance when the receiving platform is in thesecond position.
 10. The loading dock of claim 1, further including aloading platform projecting from the loading bay, wherein the sensor isattached to the loading platform.
 11. The loading dock of claim 1,further including a wall extending between the loading bay and thedriving platform, wherein the sensor is attached to the wall.
 12. Theloading dock of claim 1, wherein the light comprises a first lightreflecting a first position of the receiving platform and a second lightreflecting a second position of the receiving platform.
 13. The loadingdock of claim 1, further including at least one bumper, wherein the atleast one bumper is configured to be positioned between the vehicle andthe loading bay.
 14. A sensor, comprising: a base configured to beconnected to a loading dock; a receiving platform configured to contactthe vehicle, wherein the receiving platform is beneath the loading dock;a sensor attached to the base, wherein the sensor is configured todetermine if a vehicle is at a distance less than a threshold distancefrom the loading dock by detecting a change of position of the receivingplatform; and an audible alert configured to sound or a light configuredto turn on when the vehicle is at the distance less than the thresholddistance from the loading dock.
 15. The sensor of claim 14, furtherincluding: a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force on thereceiving platform.
 16. The sensor of claim 15, wherein the biasingmember includes one of a torsional spring or a substantially linearspring.
 17. The sensor of claim 14, wherein the receiving platform ispivotably connected to the base.
 18. The sensor of claim 14, wherein thereceiving platform is configured to be inclined relative to the basebefore being contacted by the vehicle.
 19. The sensor of claim 14,wherein the receiving platform is configured to rotate from a firstposition to a second position.
 20. The sensor of claim 19, wherein: thedistance between the vehicle and the loading dock is more than thethreshold distance when the receiving platform is in the first position;and the distance between the vehicle and the loading dock is less thanthe threshold distance when the receiving platform is in the secondposition.
 21. The sensor of claim 20, wherein: the audible alert or thelight is configured to generate a second indication when the distancebetween the vehicle and the loading dock is more than the thresholddistance; and the audible alert or the light is configured to generate afirst indication when the distance between the vehicle and the loadingdock is less than the threshold distance.
 22. The sensor of claim 14,wherein the indication includes an electronic signal.
 23. The sensor ofclaim 22, wherein the sensor is configured to wirelessly transmit theelectronic signal.
 24. The sensor of claim 23, wherein the electronicsignal is transmitted as at least one of a radio signal, an infraredsignal, a Bluetooth signal, a WiFi signal, or a cellular signal.
 25. Thesensor of claim 23, further comprising an indication panel, a mobiledevice, a mobile application, or a computer comprising: a wirelessreceiver configured to receive the electronic signal transmitted by thesensor.
 26. The sensor of claim 23, wherein the audible alert or thelight is located in at least one of the vehicle, a control room, or aloading bay.
 27. The sensor of claim 14, further including at least oneof an optical sensor, a movable sensor, a thermal sensor, or anelectrical sensor.
 28. The sensor of claim 14, wherein the lightincludes: a first light configured to turn on when the distance betweenthe vehicle and the loading dock is greater than the threshold distance;and a second light configured to turn on when the distance between thevehicle and the loading dock is less than or about equal to thethreshold distance.
 29. The sensor of claim 14, wherein the thresholddistance ranges between about 0.5 inch and about 2.0 inch.
 30. A methodof sensing a proximity of a vehicle to a loading dock, the methodcomprising: moving the vehicle towards the loading dock on a drivingplatform associated with the loading dock; a receiving platformconfigured to contact the vehicle, wherein the receiving platform isbeneath the loading dock; determining, using a sensor connectedlyattached to the loading dock, a distance between the vehicle and theloading dock by detecting a change of position of the receivingplatform; determining whether the distance is less than a thresholddistance; and generating, using an audio or visual indicator, anindication if the distance is less than the threshold distance.
 31. Themethod of claim 30, wherein the threshold distance is less than twoinches.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein generating the indicationincludes sending a signal wirelessly from the sensor to the audio orvisual indicator.
 33. The method of claim 30, further includingreturning the receiving platform to a receiving position when thevehicle has moved away from a loading dock.
 34. The method of claim 30,wherein generating the indication includes turning on a light configuredto indicate the presence of the vehicle.